His set-pieces have been disappointing tonight.
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Wilson has played left back regularly, as has Brady, while Clark has played there for Aston Villa and could do so if John O’Shea (right) is fit to return at centre-half. That’s a warning shot for Ireland.
Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic is expected to be included for Bosnia, having been banned for the home leg.
That means Ireland still lead on the away goals rule, but if they are beaten at home, it’s Bosnia who will be heading to Euro 2016.
“Obviously I’m delighted for the nation, we will have a big following in France as befits the occasion, fans always turn out in great numbers, they were magnificent here tonight, they kept us going”, O’Neill said.
Begovic needs no introduction to his old Stoke colleague, but he reckons his defenders might as they try and improve on Friday’s 1-1 draw in Bosnia. They have just been fantastic.
Trapattoni, who has managed at Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, needed his outfit to beat Estonia over two legs to reach Euro 2012, winning 5-1 on aggregate, and O’Neill’s also need a play-off win to reach the global tournament, but are facing stiffer opposition. He gets a booking.
Then, he was lucky to avoid a second yellow when he scythed down Wes Hoolahan. Yes, considering his mouthy reaction.
In the changing rooms later the fun really kicked off – and Walters couldn’t resist the chance of grabbing a selfie with a special VIP. We know that our opponents are a very good team. Superb defending from James McCarthy sets the hosts up to attack, and Begovic eventually stabs away Brady’s cross for a corner. However, I remain convinced that we have enough quality and strength to convert our chances into goals and to get the result.
After a minute’s silence for the people who died in the Paris terrorist atrocities, there was a nervous start with both teams making mistakes in the early stages.
The players are out onto the pitch, and will now line up for the national anthems.
Walters spent one season at the Racecourse, scoring five times in 41 games, before switching to Chester for the 2006-07 season.
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, now at Chelsea but who up until this season was teammates with Ireland duo Walters and Glenn Whelan at Stoke City, hopes that a more positive approach from the Irish could play in Bosnia’s favor.
Walters then doubled the lead in the 70th minute with another cool finish, volleying in at the back post after Ognjen Vranjes was unable to clear Robbie Brady’s free kick from the left. Out of players now playing, he’s the top scorer in global football, with 67 goals, meaning that he’s got the pedigree to win his side the match.
The visitors almost hit back three minutes later when Edin Dzeko fired a low effort just wide of the upright, after being teed up by Senad Lulic.
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It is just the third time the Republic have qualified for the European Championships and they join England, Wales and Northern Ireland at next year’s tournament.
